A study commissioned by the UK Data Service as part of their 'Big Data Network' programme on the preservation concerns of two types of big data: 'Preserving Social Media' and 'Preserving Transactional Data'. Preserving Social Media investigated current methods for capturing and archiving this new and novel form of data within the confines of strict platform Terms of Service and increasing technological demands. Preserving Transactional Data looked at the technical, legal, and ethical complications of capturing, curating, and sharing this rich source of data, defined as data captured in the course of everyday activities online such as filling out a form on a government website or making a loan payment. Recognising the value of large amounts of user-generated data in machine-readable formats, both of these studies provided guidance to overcome the challenges posed by capturing social media and transactional data, derived from platforms and programmes built on quickly changing technologies with frequently updated data policies.
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